The 30-year-old, who was a quarterback at the San Francisco 49ers for six years and sparked a national debate when he knelt during the national anthem during the 2016 NFL season to protest racial injustice and police brutality, smiled at the cheers.
Former 49ers safety Eric Reid, who protested alongside Kaepernick and who like his former team mate remains unsigned, also received a warm reception when he was also shown raising a fist at a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Kaepernick and Reid have both filed collusion grievances against NFL owners and league over the fact that neither has been signed by any of the NFL's 32 teams since their protests spread around the league.
On Thursday, system arbitrator Stephen Burbank denied the league's request to dismiss the case, which means he found sufficient evidence for the case to continue and perhaps go to trial.
The protests during the national anthem have raised the ire of some NFL fans and U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said they disrespect the American flag and the military.
(Editing by Nick Mulvenney)
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